Things to do in Ottawa

Activities, attractions and tours

Northern Illinois which includes outdoor art
Starved Rock State Park showing a waterfall
Northern Illinois featuring signage
Starved Rock State Park featuring forests as well as a couple
Washington Square Park featuring a statue or sculpture and a park

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What to do in Ottawa

Popular places to visit

Buffalo Rock State Park showing forests and a park

Buffalo Rock State Park

Adorning the fields and riverbed are five enormous artistic mounds portraying regional animals. Enjoy views of the Illinois River at this undulating park.

Buffalo Rock State Park
Washington Square Park featuring a statue or sculpture and a park

Washington Square Park

While this spot is named for George Washington, it is actually more famous as a historic site related to another great president, Abraham Lincoln.

Washington Square Park

Skydive Chicago

Catch an event at Skydive Chicago during your trip to Ottawa. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the cafes and restaurants.

Skydive Chicago

Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo

You can take time to visit Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo during your travels to Ottawa. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo

OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center

If OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Ottawa.

OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center

Dayton Ridge Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Ottawa at Dayton Ridge Golf Club. Wander around the parks in this family-friendly area or simply enjoy its cafes.

Dayton Ridge Golf Club

Illinois Canyon Trailhead

You can take time to visit Illinois Canyon Trailhead during your travels to Ottawa. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Illinois Canyon Trailhead

Appellate Court

Appellate Court is just one of the places to see in Ottawa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Appellate Court

Illinois Waterway Visitor Center

Illinois Waterway Visitor Center is just one of the places to see in Ottawa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around this family-friendly area's parks or seek out the hiking trails.

Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
Utica which includes a small town or village

Utica

Frequently asked questions

Is Ottawa worth visiting?
Ottawa has an interesting mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local cuisine, there's a lot to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Ottawa?
Start your day with a visit to Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park and LaSalle County Historical Society & Museum. Then, check out other parts of Ottawa for tasty eats and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ottawa?
Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Ottawa and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Ottawa?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off popular city sights, including Buffalo Rock State Park, Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo and Skydive Chicago. The average stay in Ottawa is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Morris isn't far away.
Is Ottawa a walkable city?
If discovering on foot sounds like your style of holiday, Ottawa is a perfect destination. Find leading attractions, such as Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo, within walking distance of downtown. You can also go for a stroll around Naplate, a hip neighbourhood located about 3 kilometres from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Ottawa with kids?
If you're searching for activities and attractions for all the family, here are some terrific ideas for what to do in Ottawa with kids.
What to do in Ottawa for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Ottawa, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to August Hill Winery Tasting Room or Illinois River Winery.
Are there free things to do in Ottawa?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Ottawa is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without reaching for your wallet. Buffalo Rock State Park is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.